Everton are reportedly leading a number of English clubs in a race to sign Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Starting centre-back needed

The Goodison Park faithful certainly need to improve on their defence if they have ambitions of qualifying for European competition in the new season, given that they conceded no fewer than 48 goals in the Premier League in the 2020/21 term.

Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina all made more than 25 appearances in the last campaign as well (Transfermarkt), and so it is not clear who the starting partnership is or should be, especially with a new manager set to come in.

Thus, it would be a wise idea for the Merseyside club to invest in a brand new central defender to come straight in and start in the heart of the backline.

The Lowdown: Demiral eyed

As per Corriere Torino (via Sport Witness), the Toffees reportedly 'lead the pack of English teams' in the hunt to sign Demiral, with Atalanta also eyeing up a move for the Juventus centre-half.

The Turkey international was said to be a target of Carlo Ancelotti's when he was manager, and according to the news outlet, he still remains one for the Blues.

The Verdict: Sign

Described as an ‘outstanding’ player by Italian media after a stellar performance for the Old Lady back in February against eventual Serie A title winners Inter Milan, Demiral is certainly someone that the Blues should be looking at signing.

A man who has played at the highest level with Juve, including six appearances in the UEFA Champions League, he would certainly raise the bar of quality in the backline.

Standing at six-foot-two-inches tall, Demiral should have no problems at all in coping with the physical and aerial demands of the Premier League, and at just 23 years of age, EFC could have a starting central defender with room for improvement on their books for years to come.

In other news, find out what manager update has left Toffees fuming here!